US20220146543A1 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents
Automatic analyzer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220146543A1 US20220146543A1 US17/437,499 US202017437499A US2022146543A1 US 20220146543 A1 US20220146543 A1 US 20220146543A1 US 202017437499 A US202017437499 A US 202017437499A US 2022146543 A1 US2022146543 A1 US 2022146543A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- reagent
- unit
- cooler
- vessel
- automatic analyzer
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 323
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogen Species 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000012295 chemical reaction liquid Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 8
- CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ozone Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011941 photocatalyst Substances 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000741 silica gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002027 silica gel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000007723 transport mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
- G01N35/1002—Reagent dispensers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/025—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations having a carousel or turntable for reaction cells or cuvettes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00178—Special arrangements of analysers
- G01N2035/00277—Special precautions to avoid contamination (e.g. enclosures, glove- boxes, sealed sample carriers, disposal of contaminated material)
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00178—Special arrangements of analysers
- G01N2035/00306—Housings, cabinets, control panels (details)
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00346—Heating or cooling arrangements
- G01N2035/00425—Heating or cooling means associated with pipettes or the like, e.g. for supplying sample/reagent at given temperature
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00346—Heating or cooling arrangements
- G01N2035/00435—Refrigerated reagent storage
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00346—Heating or cooling arrangements
- G01N2035/00445—Other cooling arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00346—Heating or cooling arrangements
- G01N2035/00455—Controlling humidity in analyser
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
- G01N2035/0401—Sample carriers, cuvettes or reaction vessels
- G01N2035/0412—Block or rack elements with a single row of samples
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
- G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
- G01N2035/046—General conveyor features
- G01N2035/0465—Loading or unloading the conveyor
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.
- an automatic analyzer in a hospital or an inspection facility, a sample such as blood or urine provided from a subject is analyzed for a clinical test.
- the analysis in the automatic analyzer is performed with an accuracy of the order of fmol/L, and in order to improve the analysis accuracy, it is important to prevent the mixing of dust or the like in a reaction area which is an area where a reagent for analysis and a sample react with each other.
- WO-A-18/047544 discloses an automatic analyzer in which mixing of dust or the like in a reaction area is prevented by setting the pressure in a reaction area or an area where a consumable such as a dispensing tip supplied to the reaction area is temporarily stored to be higher than that in the surrounding area.
- inflow or the like of external air into a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel containing a reagent for analysis at a low temperature for a long period of time is not considered.
- the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler causes mixing of dust, germs, or the like in the external air or dew condensation caused by a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the reagent cooler such that the inside of the reagent cooler may be contaminated.
- the contamination in the reagent cooler deteriorates a reagent, and in the analysis using the deteriorated reagent, the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer may deteriorate.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that keeps inside of a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel clean.
- an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample
- the automatic analyzer including: a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel containing a reagent to be reacted with a sample at a predetermined temperature; a reagent vessel replacement unit that includes an opening configured to put the reagent vessel into and take the regent vessel out of the reagent cooler, in which the opening is opened and closed to replace the reagent vessel; and a positive pressure unit that positively pressurizes inside of the reagent cooler with respect to a periphery of the reagent cooler when the opening is opened.
- an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample
- the automatic analyzer including: a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel containing a reagent to be reacted with a sample at a predetermined temperature; a reagent vessel replacement unit that includes an opening configured to put the reagent vessel into and take the regent vessel out of the reagent cooler, in which the opening is opened and closed to replace the reagent vessel; and a removal unit that is adjacent to the reagent vessel replacement unit and removes dust or germs adhering to the reagent vessel.
- an automatic analyzer that keeps inside of a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel clean can be provided.
- FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment.
- FIGS. 2( a ) and 2( b ) are views showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 3( a ) to 3( d ) are views showing an example of operation of a reagent cooler according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram supplementarily showing the example of the operation of the reagent cooler according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to a third embodiment.
- FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( c ) are views showing an example of operation of a reagent cooler according to a fourth embodiment.
- FIGS. 7( a ) and 7( b ) are views showing an example of operation of a reagent cooler according to a fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to a sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to a seventh embodiment.
- FIGS. 10 ( a ) and 10 ( b ) are views showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to an eighth embodiment.
- the automatic analyzer 100 is a device in which a sample such as blood or urine provided from a subject is analyzed for a clinical test.
- the automatic analyzer 100 is configured such that a control unit 101 and an analysis unit 102 are connected through a communication line 103 .
- the control unit 101 is a device that controls the respective units of the analysis unit 102 and is, for example, a computer.
- An operator inputs analysis conditions or the like from an input unit such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like in the control unit 101 , and checks the analysis result using an output unit such as a liquid crystal display or a touch panel.
- the analysis unit 102 is a device that analyzes a sample by measuring light emission or discoloration caused by a reaction of a reagent for analysis and the sample, and includes a sample transport path 110 , a reagent cooler 120 , an incubator 130 , and a reaction liquid measurement unit 140 .
- a sample transport path 110 a device that analyzes a sample by measuring light emission or discoloration caused by a reaction of a reagent for analysis and the sample
- a reagent cooler 120 includes a reagent cooler 120 , an incubator 130 , and a reaction liquid measurement unit 140 .
- the sample transport path 110 is a device that transports a sample vessel 111 containing a sample such as blood or urine to the vicinity of a sample dispensing unit 112 .
- the sample dispensing unit 112 dispenses the sample by aspirating the sample from the transported sample vessel 111 and discharging the sample into a reaction vessel 117 arranged on the incubator 130 .
- a dispensing tip 116 that is transported from a loading rack 115 to a dispensing tip detachment and attachment unit 113 by a transport unit 114 is attached to the sample dispensing unit 112 . In order to prevent contamination during the dispensing of the sample, the dispensing tip 116 is replaced whenever the dispensing is performed.
- the reagent cooler 120 is a device that stores reagent vessels 123 containing a reagent for analysis at a low temperature for a long period of time, and includes a reagent disk 121 and a reagent jacket 122 .
- the internal temperature of the reagent cooler 120 is maintained, for example, at about 5 to 10 degrees.
- the reagent vessel 123 is loaded on the reagent disk 121 , and the reagent disk 121 rotates around a Z-axis as the rotation axis to move the reagent vessel 123 to a predetermined position, for example, to the vicinity of a reagent dispensing unit 124 .
- the reagent jacket 122 is a lid that covers the reagent disk 121 , and is standstill even when the reagent disk 121 rotates.
- FIG. 1 a part of the reagent jacket 122 is shown in a perspective view to understand the arrangement of the reagent vessels 123 loaded on the reagent disk 121 .
- a dispensing hole 125 that is a hole used when a reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing unit 124 or a reagent vessel replacement unit 126 where the reagent vessel 123 is replaced is provided.
- the reagent dispensing unit 124 dispenses a reagent by aspirating the reagent from the reagent vessel 123 through the dispensing hole 125 and discharging the reagent into the reaction vessel 117 that is arranged on the incubator 130 and into which the sample is dispensed.
- the reagent cooler 120 will be described below using FIG. 2 .
- the incubator 130 is a device that holds a mixed liquid of the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing unit 112 and the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing unit 124 at a given temperature.
- the reaction vessel 117 is transported from the loading rack 115 to the incubator 130 by the transport unit 114 . By holding the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 117 at the given temperature, a reaction liquid is formed.
- the reaction liquid measurement unit 140 analyzes the sample by measuring discoloration or light emission of the reaction liquid that is dispensed by a reaction liquid dispensing unit 141 from the reaction vessel 117 arranged on the incubator 130 .
- the analysis result in the reaction liquid measurement unit 140 is displayed by an output unit such as a liquid crystal display or a touch panel in the control unit 101 .
- the reaction vessel 117 into which the reaction liquid is dispensed is removed by being transported from the incubator 130 to the loading rack 115 by the transport unit 114 .
- FIG. 2( a ) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 ( b ) is a B-B arrow view of FIG. 2( a ) .
- the reagent jacket 122 of the reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment includes a reagent vessel replacement unit 126 and an air supply unit 201 .
- the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 has a structure where a shape obtained by cutting out a part from a circular ring extends in a Z-axis direction, and has a height that is two times or more of the height of the reagent vessel 123 .
- an opening configured to put the reagent vessel 123 into and take the regent vessel out of the reagent cooler is provided in a radial direction of the reagent jacket 122 .
- a top plate 126 a and a bottom plate 126 b that holds the reagent vessel 123 in the vertical direction and moves in the Z direction is provided.
- the reagent vessel 123 is put into and taken out of the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 .
- the reagent vessel 123 moves between the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 and the reagent disk 121 . That is, the reagent vessel 123 is put into and taken out of the reagent cooler 120 through the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 .
- the movement of the reagent vessel 123 is indicated by a double-headed arrow. The movement of the reagent vessel 123 is performed by the control unit 101 controlling a transport mechanism (not shown).
- an airtight holder formed of rubber may be provided in a marginal region of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b .
- the top plate 126 a or the bottom plate 126 b functions as a lid. That is, the bottom plate 126 b blocks the reagent cooler 120 from the periphery on the uppermost stage, and the top plate 126 a blocks the reagent cooler 120 from the periphery on the lowermost stage.
- the air supply unit 201 is a device that takes air into the reagent cooler 120 and is, for example, a blower fan.
- the air supply unit 201 taking air into the reagent cooler 120 the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 such that the inflow of external air from the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented.
- the opening of the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 functions as an inlet of external air, and the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean without allowing the inflow of external air due to the positive pressurization of the reagent cooler 120 .
- the dispensing hole 125 also functions as an inlet of external air, and the inflow of external air can be prevented due to the positive pressurization of the reagent cooler 120 .
- the flow of air is indicated by a white arrow.
- the dispensing hole 125 may be configured with a valve rubber or the like that allows the passage of a nozzle of the reagent dispensing unit 124 but prevents the inflow of external air.
- the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of reagent cooler 120 , and the inflow of external air from the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented. Therefore, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean. In addition, by keeping the inside of the reagent cooler 120 clean, contamination in the reagent cooler 120 and deterioration of the reagent can be prevented. Therefore, the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained.
- the intake of air into the reagent cooler 120 by the air supply unit 201 is described.
- the opening degree of the opening of the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 that functions as the inlet of external air changes depending on the heights of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b .
- the opening is largely opened, external air is more likely to flow into the reagent cooler 120 . Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which an air supply amount that is the amount of air taken by the air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the heights of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b will be described.
- FIGS. 3( a ) to 3 ( d ) show the process of moving up the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b from the lowermost stage to the uppermost stage to take the reagent vessel 123 out of the reagent cooler 120 , in which a white arrow indicates the arrow of air, and the thickness of the white arrow indicates the flow rate.
- the air supply amount of the air supply unit 201 is set to a minimum value.
- the minimum value of the air supply amount is set based on a gap between the reagent jacket 122 and the reagent disk 121 , the size of the dispensing hole 125 , and the like. For example, when airtightness between the reagent jacket 122 and the reagent disk 121 is maintained and a valve rubber or the like is used as the dispensing hole 125 , the minimum value of the air supply amount may be set to zero.
- the distance from the top plate 126 a to an upper surface of the reagent jacket 122 is equal to the distance from the upper surface of the reagent jacket 122 to the bottom plate 126 b . That is, an inlet from the periphery to the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 has the same area as an inlet from the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 to the reagent disk 121 , and the opening degree of the opening of the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 is the maximum. Therefore, the air supply amount of the air supply unit 201 is set to be a maximum value. The maximum value of the air supply amount is set such that the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler 120 is prevented even when the opening degree of the opening of the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 is the maximum.
- the air supply amount of the air supply unit 201 is set to the minimum value.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between the air supply amount of the air supply unit 201 and the heights of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b .
- the air supply amount is set to the minimum value
- the air supply amount is set to the maximum value.
- the air supply amount increases in accordance with the height
- the air supply amount decreases in accordance with the height. That is, irrespective of whether the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b move up or down, the air supply amount is set in accordance with the heights of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b .
- the heights of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b are measured by a position sensor (not shown) and transmitted to the control unit 101 , and the control unit 101 controls the air supply amount of the air supply unit 201 in accordance with the transmitted heights.
- the air supply amount of the air supply unit 201 that positively pressurizes the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is controlled in accordance with the heights of the top plate 126 a and the bottom plate 126 b . Therefore, the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and the power of the air supply unit 201 can be saved. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment.
- the intake of air into the reagent cooler 120 by the air supply unit 201 is described. It is preferable that the air taken into the reagent cooler 120 is clean without being condensed. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which at least one of dehumidification, sterilization, dust removal, and temperature adjustment is performed on the air taken in by the air supply unit 201 will be described. Since the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
- the reagent cooler 120 includes not only the air supply unit 201 but also at least one of a temperature control part 501 , a dehumidification unit 502 , a sterilization unit 503 , and a filter 504 that is provided in the front stage of the air supply unit 201 .
- FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which the temperature control part 501 , the dehumidification unit 502 , the sterilization unit 503 , and the filter 504 are connected in series.
- the temperature control part 501 is a device that adjusts the temperature of the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 and is, for example, a heater or a water-cooled tube. In order to prevent the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 from being condensed, it is preferable that the temperature of the air is adjusted to be equal to the temperature in the reagent cooler 120 .
- the temperature in the reagent cooler 120 is measured by a thermometer (not shown) or the like and transmitted to the control unit 101 , and the control unit 101 may control the operation of the temperature control part 501 in accordance with the transmitted temperature.
- the dehumidification unit 502 is a device that adjusts the humidity of the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 and is, for example, a dehumidifier including a compressor or a vessel where a dehumidifying material such as silica gel is sealed. In order to prevent the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 from being condensed, it is preferable that water vapor in the air is reduced as much as possible.
- the humidity in the reagent cooler 120 is measured by a hygrometer (not shown) or the like and transmitted to the control unit 101 , and the control unit 101 may control the operation of the dehumidification unit 502 in accordance with the transmitted humidity.
- the sterilization unit 503 is a device that sterilizes the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 and is, for example, a device that emits ultraviolet light or a device that produces ozone by a photocatalyst. In order to keep the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 clean, it is preferable to reduce germs or mold in the air.
- the floating amount of germs or mold in the reagent cooler 120 is measured by a sensor (not shown) or the like and transmitted to the control unit 101 , and the control unit 101 may control the operation of the sterilization unit 503 in accordance with the transmitted value. In addition, the control unit 101 may display the measured value of the floating amount or may sound an alarm in accordance with the measured value of the floating amount.
- the filter 504 collects dust, germs, or the like in the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 and is, for example, a gauze or nonwoven fabric. In order to keep the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 clean, it is preferable to reduce dust or germs in the air.
- At least one of the temperature control part 501 , the dehumidification unit 502 , the sterilization unit 503 , and the filter 504 is provided in the front stage of the air supply unit 201 .
- the dew condensation of the air taken in by the air supply unit 201 can be suppressed, and the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean. Therefore, the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and therefore, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept cleaner.
- the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment.
- the intake of air into the reagent cooler 120 by the air supply unit 201 is described.
- the air taken in by the air supply unit 201 may affect the dispensing of a reagent. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which the air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the operation of the reagent dispensing unit 124 will be described. Since the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, since the structure of the reagent cooler 120 is the same as that of the first embodiment, only portions added to the first embodiment will be described supplementarily.
- FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( c ) show the process in which a dispensing nozzle 124 a of the reagent dispensing unit 124 moves to dispense a reagent from the reagent vessel 123 , in which a white arrow indicates the flow of air.
- the air supply unit 201 takes air in to positively pressurize the inside of the reagent cooler 120 .
- the air in the reagent cooler 120 is exhausted from the dispensing hole 125 . Therefore, the inflow of external air from the dispensing hole 125 is prevented.
- the control unit 101 controls the operation of the air supply unit 201 in accordance with the measured position of the dispensing nozzle 124 a .
- the control unit 101 may control the operation of the air supply unit 201 based on a previously planned operation timing.
- the air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the operation of the reagent dispensing unit 124 . Therefore, the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and an adverse effect on the dispensing accuracy of the reagent can be prevented. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment.
- the intake of air into the reagent cooler 120 by the air supply unit 201 is described.
- the reagent may deteriorate. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which the operation of the air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with opening and closing of the lid of the reagent vessel 123 is described. Since the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
- the structure of the reagent cooler 120 is the same as that of the first embodiment, only portions added to the first embodiment will be described supplementarily.
- FIG. 7( a ) shows a state where a lid 123 a of the reagent vessel 123 is closed and
- FIG. 7( b ) shows a state where the lid 123 a is opened, in which a white arrow indicates the flow of air.
- the operation of the air supply unit 201 is stopped.
- the opening and closing of the lid 123 a are detected by a sensor (not shown) and transmitted to the control unit 101 , and the control unit 101 controls the operation of the air supply unit 201 in accordance with the opening and closing of the lid 123 a .
- the control unit 101 may control the operation of the air supply unit 201 based on a previously planned operation timing. While the lid 123 a is closed, dust or the like is prevented from being mixed in the reagent vessel 123 .
- the air supply unit 201 is operated. Due to the operation of the air supply unit 201 , air is taken into the reagent cooler 120 , and air is exhausted from the dispensing hole 125 . Therefore, the inflow of external air from the dispensing hole 125 is prevented.
- the air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the lid 123 a of the reagent vessel 123 . Therefore, the mixing of dust or the like in the reagent vessel 123 can be prevented, and deterioration in the reagent can be prevented. By preventing the deterioration in the reagent, the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained.
- the intake of air into the reagent cooler 120 by the air supply unit 201 is described.
- the reagent may deteriorate. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is sterilized will be described. Since the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
- the reagent cooler 120 includes the sterilization unit 503 .
- the sterilization unit 503 is a device that sterilizes the air taken in from the air supply unit 201 and is, for example, a device that emits ultraviolet light or a device that produces ozone by a photocatalyst.
- the sterilization unit 503 may operate in accordance with the floating amount of germs or mold in the reagent cooler 120 or may operate on a regular basis.
- the sterilization unit 503 is a device that emits ultraviolet light
- the sterilization unit 503 is arranged on the reagent disk 121 , and the sterilization unit 503 may operate together with the rotation of the reagent disk 121 .
- ultraviolet light is emitted in a wide range, and thus the effect of sterilization can be improved.
- the sterilization unit 503 is a device that produces ozone
- the sterilization unit 503 is arranged outside the reagent cooler 120 , and an ozone introduction path that introduces ozone may be provided between the sterilization unit 503 and the reagent cooler 120 .
- the air taken in by the air supply unit 201 is sterilized. Therefore, the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and therefore, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept cleaner. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment.
- the configuration in which the air supply unit 201 takes air in to positively pressurize the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is described.
- the positive pressurization of the reagent cooler 120 is not limited only to the intake of air by the air supply unit 201 .
- a configuration in which the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 by negatively pressurizing the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 will be described.
- FIG. 9 A structure of the reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 9 .
- a negative pressure chamber 901 and an exhaust unit 902 are provided on the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 instead of the air supply unit 201 according to the first embodiment.
- the negative pressure chamber 901 is a chamber that covers the reagent cooler 120 and maintains airtightness with respect to the periphery of the negative pressure chamber 901 .
- the exhaust unit 902 is a device that exhausts air from the negative pressure chamber 901 and is, for example, a blower fan.
- the exhaust unit 902 By discharging air from the negative pressure chamber 901 using the exhaust unit 902 , the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 , that is, a space between the negative pressure chamber 901 and the reagent cooler 120 , and the inflow of external air from the periphery of the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented.
- the reagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of reagent cooler 120 . Therefore, the inflow of external air into the reagent cooler 120 can be prevented. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment.
- the configuration in which the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is kept clean by positively pressurizing the inside of the reagent cooler 120 is described.
- the reagent vessel 123 put into the reagent cooler 120 is kept clean. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which the reagent vessel 123 is cleaned before putting the reagent vessel 123 into the reagent cooler 120 will be described. Since the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
- FIG. 10( a ) is a top view showing the reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment
- FIG. 10( b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along a chain line in FIG. 10( a )
- the arrangement of the reagent vessel 123 in the reagent cooler 120 can be seen.
- a white arrow indicates the flow of air.
- the reagent cooler 120 includes not only the reagent disk 121 , the reagent jacket 122 , and the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 but also a removal unit 1001 . Since the reagent disk 121 , the reagent jacket 122 , and the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 have the same structures as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
- the removal unit 1001 is a device that removes dust or germs attached to the reagent vessel 123 put into the reagent cooler 120 and is, for example, a device that blows air to the reagent vessel 123 .
- the removal unit 1001 is arranged adjacent to the upper stage of the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 .
- the removal unit 1001 blows air to the reagent vessel 123 to blow off dust or germs attached to the reagent vessel 123 .
- the dust or germs attached to the reagent vessel 123 are removed by the air blown from the removal unit 1001 , and the cleaned reagent vessel 123 is put into the reagent cooler 120 through the reagent vessel replacement unit 126 .
- the sterilization unit 503 described in the third embodiment may be provided instead of the removal unit 1001 or in the front stage of or parallel to the removal unit 1001 .
- the reagent vessel 123 from which dust or germs are removed is put into the reagent cooler 120 . Therefore, the inside of the reagent cooler 120 can be kept clean. In addition, by keeping the inside of the reagent cooler 120 clean, the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer 100 can be maintained.
- the air supply unit 201 according to the first embodiment or the negative pressure chamber 901 and the exhaust unit 902 according to the seventh embodiment may be provided in the reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment to positively pressurize the reagent cooler 120 .
- the eight embodiments of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention have been described.
- the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the components can be modified within a range not departing from the scope of the present invention.
- a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Further, some components may be removed from all the components disclosed in the embodiments.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.
- Using an automatic analyzer in a hospital or an inspection facility, a sample such as blood or urine provided from a subject is analyzed for a clinical test. The analysis in the automatic analyzer is performed with an accuracy of the order of fmol/L, and in order to improve the analysis accuracy, it is important to prevent the mixing of dust or the like in a reaction area which is an area where a reagent for analysis and a sample react with each other.
- WO-A-18/047544 (PTL 1) discloses an automatic analyzer in which mixing of dust or the like in a reaction area is prevented by setting the pressure in a reaction area or an area where a consumable such as a dispensing tip supplied to the reaction area is temporarily stored to be higher than that in the surrounding area.
- PTL 1: WO-A-18/047544
- However, in the automatic analyzer disclosed in PTL 1, inflow or the like of external air into a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel containing a reagent for analysis at a low temperature for a long period of time is not considered. The inflow of external air into the reagent cooler causes mixing of dust, germs, or the like in the external air or dew condensation caused by a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the reagent cooler such that the inside of the reagent cooler may be contaminated. The contamination in the reagent cooler deteriorates a reagent, and in the analysis using the deteriorated reagent, the analysis accuracy of the automatic analyzer may deteriorate.
- Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that keeps inside of a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel clean.
- In order to achieve the object, according to the present invention, there is provided an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample, the automatic analyzer including: a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel containing a reagent to be reacted with a sample at a predetermined temperature; a reagent vessel replacement unit that includes an opening configured to put the reagent vessel into and take the regent vessel out of the reagent cooler, in which the opening is opened and closed to replace the reagent vessel; and a positive pressure unit that positively pressurizes inside of the reagent cooler with respect to a periphery of the reagent cooler when the opening is opened.
- In order to achieve the object, according to the present invention, there is provided an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample, the automatic analyzer including: a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel containing a reagent to be reacted with a sample at a predetermined temperature; a reagent vessel replacement unit that includes an opening configured to put the reagent vessel into and take the regent vessel out of the reagent cooler, in which the opening is opened and closed to replace the reagent vessel; and a removal unit that is adjacent to the reagent vessel replacement unit and removes dust or germs adhering to the reagent vessel.
- According to the present invention, an automatic analyzer that keeps inside of a reagent cooler that stores a reagent vessel clean can be provided.
-
FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. -
FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are views showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d) are views showing an example of operation of a reagent cooler according to a second embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a diagram supplementarily showing the example of the operation of the reagent cooler according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to a third embodiment. -
FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are views showing an example of operation of a reagent cooler according to a fourth embodiment. -
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are views showing an example of operation of a reagent cooler according to a fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to a sixth embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to a seventh embodiment. -
FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are views showing an example of a structure of a reagent cooler according to an eighth embodiment. - Hereinafter, an
automatic analyzer 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Theautomatic analyzer 100 is a device in which a sample such as blood or urine provided from a subject is analyzed for a clinical test. - The
automatic analyzer 100 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 1 . Theautomatic analyzer 100 is configured such that acontrol unit 101 and ananalysis unit 102 are connected through acommunication line 103. Thecontrol unit 101 is a device that controls the respective units of theanalysis unit 102 and is, for example, a computer. An operator inputs analysis conditions or the like from an input unit such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like in thecontrol unit 101, and checks the analysis result using an output unit such as a liquid crystal display or a touch panel. - The
analysis unit 102 is a device that analyzes a sample by measuring light emission or discoloration caused by a reaction of a reagent for analysis and the sample, and includes asample transport path 110, areagent cooler 120, anincubator 130, and a reactionliquid measurement unit 140. Hereinafter, the respective units will be described. - The
sample transport path 110 is a device that transports asample vessel 111 containing a sample such as blood or urine to the vicinity of asample dispensing unit 112. Thesample dispensing unit 112 dispenses the sample by aspirating the sample from the transportedsample vessel 111 and discharging the sample into areaction vessel 117 arranged on theincubator 130. Adispensing tip 116 that is transported from aloading rack 115 to a dispensing tip detachment andattachment unit 113 by atransport unit 114 is attached to thesample dispensing unit 112. In order to prevent contamination during the dispensing of the sample, the dispensingtip 116 is replaced whenever the dispensing is performed. - The
reagent cooler 120 is a device that storesreagent vessels 123 containing a reagent for analysis at a low temperature for a long period of time, and includes areagent disk 121 and areagent jacket 122. The internal temperature of thereagent cooler 120 is maintained, for example, at about 5 to 10 degrees. Thereagent vessel 123 is loaded on thereagent disk 121, and thereagent disk 121 rotates around a Z-axis as the rotation axis to move thereagent vessel 123 to a predetermined position, for example, to the vicinity of areagent dispensing unit 124. Thereagent jacket 122 is a lid that covers thereagent disk 121, and is standstill even when thereagent disk 121 rotates. InFIG. 1 , a part of thereagent jacket 122 is shown in a perspective view to understand the arrangement of thereagent vessels 123 loaded on thereagent disk 121. In thereagent jacket 122, adispensing hole 125 that is a hole used when a reagent is dispensed by thereagent dispensing unit 124 or a reagentvessel replacement unit 126 where thereagent vessel 123 is replaced is provided. Thereagent dispensing unit 124 dispenses a reagent by aspirating the reagent from thereagent vessel 123 through thedispensing hole 125 and discharging the reagent into thereaction vessel 117 that is arranged on theincubator 130 and into which the sample is dispensed. Thereagent cooler 120 will be described below usingFIG. 2 . - The
incubator 130 is a device that holds a mixed liquid of the sample dispensed by thesample dispensing unit 112 and the reagent dispensed by thereagent dispensing unit 124 at a given temperature. Before dispensing the sample or the reagent, thereaction vessel 117 is transported from theloading rack 115 to theincubator 130 by thetransport unit 114. By holding the mixed liquid in thereaction vessel 117 at the given temperature, a reaction liquid is formed. - The reaction
liquid measurement unit 140 analyzes the sample by measuring discoloration or light emission of the reaction liquid that is dispensed by a reactionliquid dispensing unit 141 from thereaction vessel 117 arranged on theincubator 130. The analysis result in the reactionliquid measurement unit 140 is displayed by an output unit such as a liquid crystal display or a touch panel in thecontrol unit 101. Thereaction vessel 117 into which the reaction liquid is dispensed is removed by being transported from theincubator 130 to theloading rack 115 by thetransport unit 114. - A structure of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 2 .FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 2 (b) is a B-B arrow view ofFIG. 2(a) . Thereagent jacket 122 of thereagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment includes a reagentvessel replacement unit 126 and anair supply unit 201. - The reagent
vessel replacement unit 126 has a structure where a shape obtained by cutting out a part from a circular ring extends in a Z-axis direction, and has a height that is two times or more of the height of thereagent vessel 123. In addition, in the reagentvessel replacement unit 126, an opening configured to put thereagent vessel 123 into and take the regent vessel out of the reagent cooler is provided in a radial direction of thereagent jacket 122. Further, in the reagentvessel replacement unit 126, atop plate 126 a and abottom plate 126 b that holds thereagent vessel 123 in the vertical direction and moves in the Z direction is provided. - When the
top plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned on the uppermost stage of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126, thereagent vessel 123 is put into and taken out of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126. In addition, when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned on the lowermost stage, thereagent vessel 123 moves between the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 and thereagent disk 121. That is, thereagent vessel 123 is put into and taken out of thereagent cooler 120 through the reagentvessel replacement unit 126. InFIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) , the movement of thereagent vessel 123 is indicated by a double-headed arrow. The movement of thereagent vessel 123 is performed by thecontrol unit 101 controlling a transport mechanism (not shown). - In a marginal region of the
top plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b, an airtight holder formed of rubber may be provided. By providing the airtight holder, when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned on the uppermost stage or the lowermost stage of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126, thetop plate 126 a or thebottom plate 126 b functions as a lid. That is, thebottom plate 126 b blocks the reagent cooler 120 from the periphery on the uppermost stage, and thetop plate 126 a blocks the reagent cooler 120 from the periphery on the lowermost stage. - The
air supply unit 201 is a device that takes air into thereagent cooler 120 and is, for example, a blower fan. By theair supply unit 201 taking air into thereagent cooler 120, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 such that the inflow of external air from the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented. In particular, when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned between the uppermost stage and the lowermost stage of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126, the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 functions as an inlet of external air, and the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean without allowing the inflow of external air due to the positive pressurization of thereagent cooler 120. In addition, the dispensinghole 125 also functions as an inlet of external air, and the inflow of external air can be prevented due to the positive pressurization of thereagent cooler 120. InFIG. 2(a) , the flow of air is indicated by a white arrow. The dispensinghole 125 may be configured with a valve rubber or the like that allows the passage of a nozzle of thereagent dispensing unit 124 but prevents the inflow of external air. - As described above, in the embodiment, the inside of the
reagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery ofreagent cooler 120, and the inflow of external air from the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented. Therefore, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean. In addition, by keeping the inside of thereagent cooler 120 clean, contamination in thereagent cooler 120 and deterioration of the reagent can be prevented. Therefore, the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained. - In the first embodiment, the intake of air into the
reagent cooler 120 by theair supply unit 201 is described. When thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 move in the Z direction, the opening degree of the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 that functions as the inlet of external air changes depending on the heights of thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b. When the opening is largely opened, external air is more likely to flow into thereagent cooler 120. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which an air supply amount that is the amount of air taken by theair supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the heights of thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b will be described. Since the overall configuration of theautomatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, since the structure of thereagent cooler 120 is the same as that of the first embodiment, only portions added to the first embodiment will be described supplementarily. - An operation of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 3 .FIGS. 3(a) to 3 (d) show the process of moving up thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b from the lowermost stage to the uppermost stage to take thereagent vessel 123 out of thereagent cooler 120, in which a white arrow indicates the arrow of air, and the thickness of the white arrow indicates the flow rate. - As shown in
FIG. 3(a) , when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned on the lowermost stage, the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 is closed by thetop plate 126 a. Therefore, the air supply amount of theair supply unit 201 is set to a minimum value. The minimum value of the air supply amount is set based on a gap between thereagent jacket 122 and thereagent disk 121, the size of the dispensinghole 125, and the like. For example, when airtightness between thereagent jacket 122 and thereagent disk 121 is maintained and a valve rubber or the like is used as the dispensinghole 125, the minimum value of the air supply amount may be set to zero. - As shown in
FIG. 3 (b) , when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are moved up to a middle region, the distance from thetop plate 126 a to an upper surface of thereagent jacket 122 is equal to the distance from the upper surface of thereagent jacket 122 to thebottom plate 126 b. That is, an inlet from the periphery to the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 has the same area as an inlet from the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 to thereagent disk 121, and the opening degree of the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 is the maximum. Therefore, the air supply amount of theair supply unit 201 is set to be a maximum value. The maximum value of the air supply amount is set such that the inflow of external air into thereagent cooler 120 is prevented even when the opening degree of the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 is the maximum. - As shown in
FIG. 3(c) , when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are further moved up from the middle region, the distance from thetop plate 126 a to the upper surface of thereagent jacket 122 increases, but the distance from the upper surface of thereagent jacket 122 to thebottom plate 126 b decreases. That is, the size of the inlet from the periphery to the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 increases, but the size of the inlet from the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 to thereagent disk 121 decreases. Therefore, the opening degree of the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 is lower than that ofFIG. 3(b) . Therefore, the air supply amount of theair supply unit 201 is set to a value less than that ofFIG. 3(b) . - As shown in
FIG. 3(d) , when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned on the uppermost stage, the opening of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 is closed by thebottom plate 126 b. Therefore, as inFIG. 3(a) , the air supply amount of theair supply unit 201 is set to the minimum value. - The operation of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described supplementarily usingFIG. 4 .FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between the air supply amount of theair supply unit 201 and the heights of thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b. As described above usingFIG. 3 , when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned on the uppermost stage or the lowermost stage, the air supply amount is set to the minimum value, and when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned in the middle region, the air supply amount is set to the maximum value. In addition, when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned between the lowermost stage and the middle region, the air supply amount increases in accordance with the height, and when thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are positioned between the middle region and the uppermost stage, the air supply amount decreases in accordance with the height. That is, irrespective of whether thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b move up or down, the air supply amount is set in accordance with the heights of thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b. The heights of thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b are measured by a position sensor (not shown) and transmitted to thecontrol unit 101, and thecontrol unit 101 controls the air supply amount of theair supply unit 201 in accordance with the transmitted heights. - As described above, in the embodiment, the air supply amount of the
air supply unit 201 that positively pressurizes the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is controlled in accordance with the heights of thetop plate 126 a and thebottom plate 126 b. Therefore, the inflow of external air into thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and the power of theair supply unit 201 can be saved. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment. - In the first embodiment, the intake of air into the
reagent cooler 120 by theair supply unit 201 is described. It is preferable that the air taken into thereagent cooler 120 is clean without being condensed. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which at least one of dehumidification, sterilization, dust removal, and temperature adjustment is performed on the air taken in by theair supply unit 201 will be described. Since the overall configuration of theautomatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. - A structure of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 5 . Thereagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment includes not only theair supply unit 201 but also at least one of atemperature control part 501, adehumidification unit 502, asterilization unit 503, and afilter 504 that is provided in the front stage of theair supply unit 201.FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which thetemperature control part 501, thedehumidification unit 502, thesterilization unit 503, and thefilter 504 are connected in series. - The
temperature control part 501 is a device that adjusts the temperature of the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 and is, for example, a heater or a water-cooled tube. In order to prevent the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 from being condensed, it is preferable that the temperature of the air is adjusted to be equal to the temperature in thereagent cooler 120. The temperature in thereagent cooler 120 is measured by a thermometer (not shown) or the like and transmitted to thecontrol unit 101, and thecontrol unit 101 may control the operation of thetemperature control part 501 in accordance with the transmitted temperature. - The
dehumidification unit 502 is a device that adjusts the humidity of the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 and is, for example, a dehumidifier including a compressor or a vessel where a dehumidifying material such as silica gel is sealed. In order to prevent the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 from being condensed, it is preferable that water vapor in the air is reduced as much as possible. The humidity in thereagent cooler 120 is measured by a hygrometer (not shown) or the like and transmitted to thecontrol unit 101, and thecontrol unit 101 may control the operation of thedehumidification unit 502 in accordance with the transmitted humidity. - The
sterilization unit 503 is a device that sterilizes the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 and is, for example, a device that emits ultraviolet light or a device that produces ozone by a photocatalyst. In order to keep the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 clean, it is preferable to reduce germs or mold in the air. The floating amount of germs or mold in thereagent cooler 120 is measured by a sensor (not shown) or the like and transmitted to thecontrol unit 101, and thecontrol unit 101 may control the operation of thesterilization unit 503 in accordance with the transmitted value. In addition, thecontrol unit 101 may display the measured value of the floating amount or may sound an alarm in accordance with the measured value of the floating amount. - The
filter 504 collects dust, germs, or the like in the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 and is, for example, a gauze or nonwoven fabric. In order to keep the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 clean, it is preferable to reduce dust or germs in the air. - As described above, in the embodiment, at least one of the
temperature control part 501, thedehumidification unit 502, thesterilization unit 503, and thefilter 504 is provided in the front stage of theair supply unit 201. In the embodiment, in order to positively pressurize the inside of thereagent cooler 120, the dew condensation of the air taken in by theair supply unit 201 can be suppressed, and the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean. Therefore, the inflow of external air into thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and therefore, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept cleaner. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment. - In the first embodiment, the intake of air into the
reagent cooler 120 by theair supply unit 201 is described. The air taken in by theair supply unit 201 may affect the dispensing of a reagent. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which theair supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the operation of thereagent dispensing unit 124 will be described. Since the overall configuration of theautomatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, since the structure of thereagent cooler 120 is the same as that of the first embodiment, only portions added to the first embodiment will be described supplementarily. - An operation of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 6 .FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) show the process in which a dispensingnozzle 124 a of thereagent dispensing unit 124 moves to dispense a reagent from thereagent vessel 123, in which a white arrow indicates the flow of air. - As shown in
FIG. 6(a) , while the dispensingnozzle 124 a moves in the horizontal direction, theair supply unit 201 takes air in to positively pressurize the inside of thereagent cooler 120. By positively pressurizing thereagent cooler 120, the air in thereagent cooler 120 is exhausted from the dispensinghole 125. Therefore, the inflow of external air from the dispensinghole 125 is prevented. - As shown in
FIG. 6(b) , when the dispensingnozzle 124 a is arranged above the dispensinghole 125, the intake of air by theair supply unit 201 is stopped. Next, the dispensingnozzle 124 a moves down and is inserted into the dispensinghole 125. The position of the dispensingnozzle 124 a is measured by being detected by a position sensor or the like detecting a detection plate provided in thereagent dispensing unit 124, and thecontrol unit 101 controls the operation of theair supply unit 201 in accordance with the measured position of the dispensingnozzle 124 a. Alternatively, thecontrol unit 101 may control the operation of theair supply unit 201 based on a previously planned operation timing. - As shown in
FIG. 6(c) , while the dispensingnozzle 124 a is inserted into thereagent vessel 123 through the dispensinghole 125, the intake of air by theair supply unit 201 is stopped. By stopping theair supply unit 201, the flow of air in thereagent cooler 120 is suppressed, and deterioration in the dispensing accuracy of the reagent can be prevented. - As described above, in the embodiment, the
air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the operation of thereagent dispensing unit 124. Therefore, the inflow of external air into thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and an adverse effect on the dispensing accuracy of the reagent can be prevented. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment. - In the first embodiment, the intake of air into the
reagent cooler 120 by theair supply unit 201 is described. When dust or the like is mixed in thereagent cooler 120 in a state where the lid of thereagent vessel 123 is opened, the reagent may deteriorate. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which the operation of theair supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with opening and closing of the lid of thereagent vessel 123 is described. Since the overall configuration of theautomatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, since the structure of thereagent cooler 120 is the same as that of the first embodiment, only portions added to the first embodiment will be described supplementarily. - An operation of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 7 .FIG. 7(a) shows a state where alid 123 a of thereagent vessel 123 is closed andFIG. 7(b) shows a state where thelid 123 a is opened, in which a white arrow indicates the flow of air. - As shown in
FIG. 7 (a) , while thelid 123 a is closed, the operation of theair supply unit 201 is stopped. The opening and closing of thelid 123 a are detected by a sensor (not shown) and transmitted to thecontrol unit 101, and thecontrol unit 101 controls the operation of theair supply unit 201 in accordance with the opening and closing of thelid 123 a. Alternatively, thecontrol unit 101 may control the operation of theair supply unit 201 based on a previously planned operation timing. While thelid 123 a is closed, dust or the like is prevented from being mixed in thereagent vessel 123. - As shown in
FIG. 7 (b) , while thelid 123 a is opened, theair supply unit 201 is operated. Due to the operation of theair supply unit 201, air is taken into thereagent cooler 120, and air is exhausted from the dispensinghole 125. Therefore, the inflow of external air from the dispensinghole 125 is prevented. - As described above, in the embodiment, the
air supply unit 201 is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of thelid 123 a of thereagent vessel 123. Therefore, the mixing of dust or the like in thereagent vessel 123 can be prevented, and deterioration in the reagent can be prevented. By preventing the deterioration in the reagent, the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained. - In the first embodiment, the intake of air into the
reagent cooler 120 by theair supply unit 201 is described. When germs are mixed in thereagent cooler 120, the reagent may deteriorate. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is sterilized will be described. Since the overall configuration of theautomatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. - A structure of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 8 . Thereagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment includes thesterilization unit 503. As in the third embodiment, thesterilization unit 503 is a device that sterilizes the air taken in from theair supply unit 201 and is, for example, a device that emits ultraviolet light or a device that produces ozone by a photocatalyst. Thesterilization unit 503 may operate in accordance with the floating amount of germs or mold in thereagent cooler 120 or may operate on a regular basis. During the operation of thesterilization unit 503, in order to prevent the deterioration of the reagent caused by ultraviolet light or ozone, it is desirable that thelid 123 a of thereagent vessel 123 is closed. - When the
sterilization unit 503 is a device that emits ultraviolet light, thesterilization unit 503 is arranged on thereagent disk 121, and thesterilization unit 503 may operate together with the rotation of thereagent disk 121. By operating thesterilization unit 503 together with the rotation of thereagent disk 121, ultraviolet light is emitted in a wide range, and thus the effect of sterilization can be improved. - When the
sterilization unit 503 is a device that produces ozone, thesterilization unit 503 is arranged outside thereagent cooler 120, and an ozone introduction path that introduces ozone may be provided between thesterilization unit 503 and thereagent cooler 120. - As described above, in the embodiment, in order to positively pressurize the inside of the
reagent cooler 120, the air taken in by theair supply unit 201 is sterilized. Therefore, the inflow of external air into thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented, and therefore, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept cleaner. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment. - In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the
air supply unit 201 takes air in to positively pressurize the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is described. The positive pressurization of thereagent cooler 120 is not limited only to the intake of air by theair supply unit 201. In the embodiment, a configuration in which the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 by negatively pressurizing the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 will be described. - Since the overall configuration of the
automatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. - A structure of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 9 . In the embodiment, anegative pressure chamber 901 and anexhaust unit 902 are provided on the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 instead of theair supply unit 201 according to the first embodiment. - The
negative pressure chamber 901 is a chamber that covers thereagent cooler 120 and maintains airtightness with respect to the periphery of thenegative pressure chamber 901. - The
exhaust unit 902 is a device that exhausts air from thenegative pressure chamber 901 and is, for example, a blower fan. By discharging air from thenegative pressure chamber 901 using theexhaust unit 902, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery of thereagent cooler 120, that is, a space between thenegative pressure chamber 901 and thereagent cooler 120, and the inflow of external air from the periphery of thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented. - As described above, in the embodiment, by discharging air using the
exhaust unit 902 from thenegative pressure chamber 901 provided on the periphery of thereagent cooler 120, thereagent cooler 120 is positively pressurized with respect to the periphery ofreagent cooler 120. Therefore, the inflow of external air into thereagent cooler 120 can be prevented. By preventing the inflow of external air, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean, and the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained accordingly as in the first embodiment. - In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the inside of the
reagent cooler 120 is kept clean by positively pressurizing the inside of thereagent cooler 120 is described. In order to keep the inside of thereagent cooler 120 clean, it is preferable that thereagent vessel 123 put into thereagent cooler 120 is kept clean. Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration in which thereagent vessel 123 is cleaned before putting thereagent vessel 123 into thereagent cooler 120 will be described. Since the overall configuration of theautomatic analyzer 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. - A structure of the
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment will be described usingFIG. 10 .FIG. 10(a) is a top view showing thereagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment, andFIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along a chain line inFIG. 10(a) . InFIG. 10(a) , the arrangement of thereagent vessel 123 in thereagent cooler 120 can be seen. In addition, inFIG. 10(b) , a white arrow indicates the flow of air. - The
reagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment includes not only thereagent disk 121, thereagent jacket 122, and the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 but also aremoval unit 1001. Since thereagent disk 121, thereagent jacket 122, and the reagentvessel replacement unit 126 have the same structures as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated. - The
removal unit 1001 is a device that removes dust or germs attached to thereagent vessel 123 put into thereagent cooler 120 and is, for example, a device that blows air to thereagent vessel 123. Theremoval unit 1001 is arranged adjacent to the upper stage of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126. - When the
new reagent vessel 123 is arranged on the uppermost stage of the reagentvessel replacement unit 126, theremoval unit 1001 blows air to thereagent vessel 123 to blow off dust or germs attached to thereagent vessel 123. The dust or germs attached to thereagent vessel 123 are removed by the air blown from theremoval unit 1001, and the cleanedreagent vessel 123 is put into thereagent cooler 120 through the reagentvessel replacement unit 126. Thesterilization unit 503 described in the third embodiment may be provided instead of theremoval unit 1001 or in the front stage of or parallel to theremoval unit 1001. - As described above, in the embodiment, the
reagent vessel 123 from which dust or germs are removed is put into thereagent cooler 120. Therefore, the inside of thereagent cooler 120 can be kept clean. In addition, by keeping the inside of thereagent cooler 120 clean, the analysis accuracy of theautomatic analyzer 100 can be maintained. Theair supply unit 201 according to the first embodiment or thenegative pressure chamber 901 and theexhaust unit 902 according to the seventh embodiment may be provided in thereagent cooler 120 according to the embodiment to positively pressurize thereagent cooler 120. - The eight embodiments of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention have been described. The automatic analyzer according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the components can be modified within a range not departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Further, some components may be removed from all the components disclosed in the embodiments.
-
- 100: automatic analyzer
- 101: control unit
- 102: analysis unit
- 103: communication line
- 110: sample transport path
- 111: sample vessel
- 112: sample dispensing unit
- 113: dispensing tip detachment and attachment unit
- 114: transport unit
- 115: loading rack
- 116: dispensing tip
- 117: reaction vessel
- 120: reagent cooler
- 121: reagent disk
- 122: reagent jacket
- 123: reagent vessel
- 123 a: lid
- 124: reagent dispensing unit
- 124 a: dispensing nozzle
- 125: dispensing hole
- 126: reagent vessel replacement unit
- 126 a: top plate
- 126 b: bottom plate
- 130: incubator
- 140: reaction liquid measurement unit
- 141: reaction liquid dispensing unit
- 201: air supply unit
- 501: temperature control part
- 502: dehumidification unit
- 503: sterilization unit
- 504: filter
- 901: negative pressure chamber
- 902: exhaust unit
- 1001: removal unit
Claims (16)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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JP2019073339 | 2019-04-08 | ||
JP2019-073339 | 2019-04-08 | ||
PCT/JP2020/004082 WO2020208914A1 (en) | 2019-04-08 | 2020-02-04 | Automatic analysis device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220146543A1 true US20220146543A1 (en) | 2022-05-12 |
US11885824B2 US11885824B2 (en) | 2024-01-30 |
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US17/437,499 Active 2040-07-02 US11885824B2 (en) | 2019-04-08 | 2020-02-04 | Automatic analyzer |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US11885824B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3954955A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7168767B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113710975B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020208914A1 (en) |
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JP7465993B2 (en) | 2020-11-05 | 2024-04-11 | 株式会社日立ハイテク | Automated Analysis Equipment |
WO2024134708A1 (en) * | 2022-12-19 | 2024-06-27 | 株式会社日立ハイテク | Analysis device and ultraviolet irradiation unit |
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JP2005257209A (en) | 2004-03-12 | 2005-09-22 | Toshiba Corp | Refrigerator |
JP2009145291A (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2009-07-02 | Hitachi High-Technologies Corp | Automatic analyzer |
JP2009270857A (en) * | 2008-05-01 | 2009-11-19 | Olympus Corp | Automatic analyzer |
JP5756898B2 (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2015-07-29 | パナソニックヘルスケアホールディングス株式会社 | Cold storage |
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2020
- 2020-02-04 US US17/437,499 patent/US11885824B2/en active Active
- 2020-02-04 EP EP20787074.2A patent/EP3954955A4/en active Pending
- 2020-02-04 CN CN202080025627.6A patent/CN113710975B/en active Active
- 2020-02-04 JP JP2021513181A patent/JP7168767B2/en active Active
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JP2009139269A (en) * | 2007-12-07 | 2009-06-25 | Hitachi High-Technologies Corp | Autoanalyzer |
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Also Published As
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EP3954955A4 (en) | 2023-05-03 |
CN113710975A (en) | 2021-11-26 |
EP3954955A1 (en) | 2022-02-16 |
CN113710975B (en) | 2023-01-17 |
JP7168767B2 (en) | 2022-11-09 |
JPWO2020208914A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 |
WO2020208914A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 |
US11885824B2 (en) | 2024-01-30 |
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